Embodying these principles, the headquarters’ design responds to its environment as a series of interconnecting ‘dunes’ orientated and shaped to optimize local climatic conditions. Embedded within its sand dunes of Sharjah’s Al Sajaa desert, the design echoes the surrounding landscape that is shaped by the prevailing winds. Ensuring all internal spaces are provided with ample daylight and views while limiting the quantity of glazing exposed to the harsh sun, the headquarters’ two primary ‘dunes’ house the public and management departments together with the administrative zone that interconnect via a central courtyard, defining an oasis within the building which is integral to its natural ventilation strategy.
With a high percentage of locally procured materials including GRC panels reducing solar gain, the headquarters’ on-site water treatment filtrates waste water to minimise consumption and the solar farm charges Tesla battery packs to meet the building’s energy demand throughout each day and night. The building’s smart management system automatically adjusts lighting and temperature depending on occupancy and time of day. Architect: Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) Design: Zaha Hadid and Patrik Schumacher Project Director: Sara Sheikh Akbari Commercial Director: Charles Walker Project Team: Gerry Cruz (Exterior Package Lead), Drew Merkle (Interior Package Lead), John Simpson, Matthew Le Grice, Maria Chaparro, Frenji Koshi, Leo Alves, Erwan Gallou, Vivian Pashiali, Alia Zayani, Alessandra Lazzoni, Zsuzsanna Barát, Dennis Brezina, Rasha Al-shami, Anna Mieszek, Elena Scripelliti, Eider Fernandez-Eibar, Marco Pavoni, Ben Kikkawa, Maria Vergopoulou-Efstathiou, Haohao Chen, Thanh Dao Phase 1 Project Director: Tariq Khayyat Phase 1 Project Architect: Kutbuddin Nadiadi Design Team: Gerry Cruz, Drew Merkle, Yuxi Fu, Xiaosheng Li, Edward Luckmann, Eleni Mente, Kwanphil Cho, Mu Ren, Harry Ibbs, Mostafa El Sayed, Suryansh Chandra, Thomas Jensen, Alexandra Fisher, Spyridon Kaprinis, John Randle, Bechara Malkoun, Reda Kessanti, Carolina López-Blanco, Takehiko Iseki, Matthew Johnston, Sabrina Sayed, Zohra Rougab, Carl Khourey, Anas Younes, Lauren Barclay, Mubarak Al Fahim, Faten El Meri Competition Team: Xiaosheng Li, Gerry Cruz, Yuxi Fu, Drew Merkle, Lauren Barclay, Mostafa El Sayed, Alia Zayani, Mubarak Al Fahim Consultants: Structure/Facade/Acoustic/Transport & Civil: Buro Happold [London] MEP/ Lighting/Fire Protection & Life Safety: Atelier Ten [London] Sustainability (Design Stage): Atelier Ten [London] Sustainability (Construction Stage): Buro Happold [Dubai] Cost: Gardiner & Theobald [London] Project Manager: Matthews Southwest [Dubai] Landscape: Francis Landscape [Beirut] Local Architect: Bin Dalmouk [Sharjah], DSA Architects International [Dubai] Main Contractor: Al Futtaim Construction [Dubai]